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Elder Lattin & Elder Palmer serving in Paris, France
I have mentioned that my son Austin is currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Paris, France. When these young men serve a mission they serve for 2 years and they pay their own way. While they are serving they do not have direct contact with their family members via phone (this is so they can concentrate on serving and not worry about troubles at home). There are 2 time a year when they get to call home, those days are Christmas and Mother’s Day (which are my 2 favorite days of the year!).
So, while I know my son is out serving, doing good, learning and growing close to Heavenly Father it’s not always the easiest thing for a Mom not being able to talk with her son. We do get to email once a week and that day I receive the email is my favorite day of the week. It’s so neat to hear about all he is experiencing, I love those letters with all my heart!
My husband received a text with the photo above from a name he didn’t recognize. The photo is of our son Austin (Elder Palmer) and his companion Elder Lattin (my son is on the right). The photo was taken today!! It made me smile to see my son happy and healthy! This sweet lady was vacationing in France and she spotted these two missionaries. She recently had a son and daughter serve a mission so she is aware how great it is to receive photos of our kids that are serving. She took their photo and asked them for the cell phone numbers of their parents and then she texted the photo to us. Sweetest and thoughtful thing ever!
It’s amazing how something so small can make someone’s day. I will forever be grateful to this lady who thought about my feelings even though she doesn’t know me. I hope we all can brighten someone’s day today, it doesn’t have to be anything big, even a smile helps! Have a great day…I know I will!
Kira G says
That is really sweet! Any time I see those smiling faces of the wonderful young adults on their mission I always wave and day a few kind words because I am sure it is a difficult task to be away from those you love. Now I am thinking that I might have to follow rank and do the same for some other mom missing her child who is out on mission.
Sarah M says
What a sweet gesture from a stranger! I didn’t realize they have SO little direct contact with home. How difficult that must be! Blessings to you and your family
Jen says
What a treasured picture & sweet gesture from that kind lady! And your son & his friend look so happy there in Paris! I didn’t know you hadn’t talked to him very much since he’s been gone – what a strong mom you are for him & I can imagine how much you look forward to those treasured emails & phone calls (& pictures like this!)
Becky Porter says
What a fabulous thing for her to do. What I wouldn’t have given for cell phones and the technology we have today back when I was serving in Germany. I know my mom would have loved to Skype with me instead of the phone call! 😉
Adrienne says
Christy,
That is awesome! I’ll have to remember that the next time the missionaries are over for dinner.
Glad to see Austin is having a enjoyable time in Paris.
Hugs!
~Adrienne
Val says
🙂
Ann says
My children were adults when I converted three years ago. (They both converted too!) I have three grandsons, ages 2, 9, and 13, whom I will miss dearly when they serve missions. I am so happy for you that the lady sent you the picture. I can only imagine what that means to you.
Verity says
Because of this post I took a picture of a pair aasd d sent it to their mothers. They were over the moon with happiness. Thank for the tip.
Christy says
@Verity What a sweet thing to do. As a mom of a missionary, I know it was appreciated.